Breast Reduction

Large breasts can cause multiple problems, including neck, back, shoulder pain, headaches, shoulder-grooving (bra-straps digging in), interference with activities and exercise, rashes under the breasts, inability to find clothing that fits properly and psychological problems with self-image. As a result, women with large breasts are often in chronic pain, have little energy and may be overweight because they are unable to exercise, which prevents them from enjoying a higher quality of life.

While weight loss and exercise are often suggested by most physicians prior to surgery, these efforts are often futile. Weight loss usually does not alleviate the symptoms of large breasts. Medications may be of some benefit, but usually the effect is limited. Invariably, surgery is the most effective, efficient and most successful way to treat problematic large breasts.

You may be a good candidate for breast reduction if you have one or more of the following conditions:

breasts that are too large in proportion to your body frame
heavy, pendulous breasts with nipples and areolas that point downward
one breast is much larger than the other
back, neck or shoulder pain caused by the weight of your breasts
skin irritation beneath your breasts
indentations in your shoulders from tight bra straps
restriction of physical activity due to the size and weight of your breasts
dissatisfaction or self-consciousness about the largeness of your breasts

Breast reduction can be performed at any age, but plastic surgeons usually recommend waiting until breast development has stopped. Breast reduction is a surgical procedure in which breast tissue and skin is removed, resulting in a smaller breast. Removal of excess skin results in a breast that is higher on the chest and has a more pleasant appearance. This is an important component of the operation, because it allows the breast to be restored to a more youthful appearance and shape. During the operation, the nipples-areola complex is moved to a higher position on your breasts. This is usually accomplished without removing your nipples. The technique used to do this is called breast transposition, in which the nipple stays fully attached to the breast and only the surrounding skin is moved. As the nipple preserves its attachment, most women retain nipple sensation and the ability to breast feed. Only in cases where the breasts are severely enlarged do the nipples require free grafting (completely detached from the body). Childbirth and breast-feeding may have significant and unpredictable effects on the size and shape of your breasts. Nevertheless, many women decide to undergo breast reduction before having children and feel that they can address any subsequent changes later. If you plan to breast-feed in the future, you should discuss this with your plastic surgeon.

No one can guarantee your final cup size, simply because cup size is not standardized. Have a detailed discussion with our plastic surgeon prior to surgery to communicate your desired size. Explaining your preference in comparison to your current size is very helpful. For example, you might want to be somewhere between one third and one half of your current size. Realize that this operation involves scars. If you are unwilling to accept scars, you should not have this operation, as no surgeon can predict how scars will heal on you. Quit smoking for at least 8 weeks before surgery.

Male Breast Reduction for Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is a medical term that comes from the Greek words for "women-like breasts." Though this oddly named condition is rarely talked about, it's actually quite common. It is estimated that at some time in their life over a third of men experience this problem. It may affect only one breast or both. Though certain drugs and medical problems have been linked with male breast overdevelopment, there is no known cause in the vast majority of cases. For men who feel self-conscious about their appearance, breast-reduction surgery can help. The procedure removes fat and or glandular tissue from the breast and in extreme cases removes excess skin, resulting in a chest that is flatter, firmer, and better contoured. Surgery to correct gynecomastia is performed on healthy, emotionally stable men of any age.

The best candidates for surgery have firm, elastic skin that will reshape to the body's new contours. Surgery may be discouraged for obese men, or for overweight men who have not first attempted to correct the problem with exercise or weight loss. Also, individuals who drink alcohol beverages in excess or smoke marijuana are usually not considered good candidates for surgery. These drugs, along with anabolic steroids, may cause gynecomastia. Therefore, patients are first directed to stop the use of these drugs to see if the breast fullness will diminish before surgery is considered an option. When surgery is performed recovery takes one to two weeks. Most people are back to work within a week or two.